Welcome to the Empire Theatre 1922.

Jack Treadwell arrives in the middle of rehearsals, not knowing what to expect, but unprepared for the intoxicating world of glitz and glamour - so different to that of the trenches he fought in during the Great War.

Here he meets Grace, who he feels an immediate attraction to. But there's no time for that! Grace is extremely busy, working alongside a select 'cast' trying to keep open the theatre that they love. The Empire is under threat from a rival theatre owner and they are determined that he will not get his hands on it.

The show must go on!

And it does... Jack works with Grace to pull out all the stops when they are unable to book acts that are now 'exclusive' to their rival. He pours his heart and soul into the theatre world, and they are able to put together something quite special, but unfortunately it isn't enough.

To save the theatre long term they must come up with something spectacular.

But can they do it before the theatre is forced to go dark?

The Empire has all the qualities of a great piece of theatre, an interesting plot, characters that the audience (reader) can really relate to, romance, comedy and a suitably dramatic ending.

The Empire is fantastic read, and one of my favourites of this year!

I look forward to the Encore ...

We start this book with a few pages of "who's who" - which I am not sure is really helpful as:
Firstly it scared me as I feared that I would be overwhelmed, especially as I was reading and eBook and so couldn't just refer back willy nilly.
Secondly I don't think it's needed as the characters were written well enough that, despite my fears, I didn't refer to the screenshots I made of the pages once during reading the book.
So yeah, don't let the massive cast list put you off...
So... akin to certain showbiz celebrity writing about a hotel ballroom, we now have another one writing about a theatre. Compare and contrast... well, I tried not to, difficult as it is being as the former's latest book is published the same day! But I will rein myself in here...
Welcome to The Empire Theatre indeed. One of the few independent theatres in the north. Bought by Lord Lassiter for his second wife Lady Lillian although she has not been active there for a while, having nursed her husband through his illness and now grieving for his passing. The Empire is a jewell indeed, having a rich history of past productions, of stars it has created, performances that are still talked about today. Now jointly owned by Lilian and her step-grandson Edmund, changes are afoot as Edmund has got himself in a bit of a pickle and needs money... All very sordid and dark.
And then we have Jack Treadwell who served in the trenches with Edmund, and looking to restart his life as a civilian. He has been sent to find Lillian by his late mother, they worked together, but manages to finagle himself the doorman's job. Good thing too as we will soon find out when things all go a bit astray...
It's a busy book, what with the massive cast and also there are offshoots of subplot which pop up throughout, all interconnected but you do have to juggle a bit along the way. I am a great fan of the theatre and know my local one very well so it was easy to imagine all the settings and how it all gets complicated back-stage. It's also a book that can be read on many levels. Lighter for the main stories and also, if you choose to really get to know the characters, there's grief and sadness, and well, the fallout from war too. It has glitz and glamour as well as doom and gloom but always with an underlying feeling of hope. Yes there are a few things that made my eyes roll, but nothing that really irked me. I heard a rumour that it is also the start of a series. Well I for one really hope so as I really connected to some of the characters and can't wait to see what happens next for them...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

What a great read.

Set in the theatre it’s fun with lots of great characters, not all good!!

An easy read that took me in.

Drama in the Roaring Twenties.
A delightful story revolving around a theatre, it’s owners, employees (all characters), some villains and sundry others. Includes a sweet love story between Jack Treadwell and Grace Hawkins. Highly recommended, I look forward to Michael’s next novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh dear. I think Michael Ball is a wonderful singer and entertainer, but not sure why that would make him a good writer - I'm sorry to say that his skills lie elsewhere. But of course his name will sell the book more than his ability as a writer, and his fans will love it whether it is well written or not, which is probably why this was snapped up by a publisher.

Thank you so much for the ARC. This was a fun, easy read with a vibrant setting in the theatre world and an equally charming cast of characters. The programme format was also enjoyable.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book

i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it took me right back to my time in am dram and putting on a show and i could swear i smelt the greasepaint

michael ball has written quite a unique book with his background that he has drawn from, there are an amazing amount of characters to get to know but somehow you do manage to remember all of them and at what stage they are at in this book

the empire is a theatre like no other and it was bought by lord lassiter for his second wife who has also trod the boards in her past

but its has to be myriad of characters associated with the empire that draws you in and its a story that you lose yourself in

if this is michael balls debut book i cant wait for the next one

I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I actually did. As you would expect Michael Ball was able to bring to life the atmosphere of the theatre back stage what it takes to the run a theatre in the 1920's. An easy read and interesting story, however, I felt that there were too many characters and struggled to keep track of them all and how they were related.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the advance copy of this book.

A real razzmatazz of a read.
Full of glitz and glamor. It has all the ingredients of a truly amazing read set in the thirties when the general population is still reeling from the First World War. We are taken into the world of theatre where people are transported into a dream world which gives them an escape from day to day reality.
As soon as the book starts you are drawn into the lives of Grace and Jack who are trying to keep the Empire profitable against all odds and against a background of people who have a vested interest to see them fail.
It is an absolutely brilliant read and in my mind would make a brilliant television series.
Well done Michael and can’t wait for what you write next

I struggled with this book to be honest. The blurb caught my attention when I was searching through NetGalley and, for at least some part, that interest continued throughout the story. I liked the premise behind the plot but found that the execution fell a little short for me.

Where I struggled most was the writing style. The author created a very rich, detailed world that captured the theatre world well I thought (to be expected in fairness) but the sheer amount of characters that came with that world made it difficult to keep everyone straight in my head as I was reading. There were multiple family members and I couldn't keep track of who was related to who; there were several theatre workers with various connections and I just couldn't keep on top of them enough to be able to enjoy the story.

The idea should hold up well on paper, but for me it just didn't hit the mark and I couldn't get into it properly.

I know I will be in the minority but I didn't enjoy "The Empire" by Michael Ball very much. I'm a big fan of Mr Ball, having followed his theatre and music career for many years but unfortunately I didn't feel that writing is his strength. If it wasn't written by him, I think I would have abandoned the book after the few early chapters. Things aren't all that bad though, the last few chapters after the premiere of Riviera Nights were action-packed and enjoyable.

The Empire is a busy theatre in the 1920s, and this book weaves together the lives of several people around the Theatre.

There are a lot of characters in this book, which made it a bit difficult to follow at the beginning. However, once you get into the book and are more familiar with the different storylines, its a treat to experience their stories!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I have been a Michael Ball fan for over thirty years, seen him in many shows and concerts, so when I saw he had written a book I had to read it. But I wanted to read it as if it was by someone I’ve never heard of. Not easy, but just decided I would read it on its own merits I would either like it hate it or live it. So which was it.

Michael has managed to bring the theatre to me in this story I felt like I was there for every part of it, I had been going through a bit of a slump but this I couldn’t put down. The characters are relatable, believable, likeable (well most) some not so likeable. But as I was reading I felt like I had literally been transported back to the. Swinging 20’s world war 1 is over and a few of the characters are still trying to adjust to life.

The Lassiters own The Empire, Lady Lillian Lassiter has the majority share, she has just become a widow and has decided to go off to New York. Leaving the theatre in the manager Alexander Mangrove but just one problem with that he is not a good manager, he’s not even in the theatre most of the time. So it’s down to Grace Hawkins who is the assistant to Mangrove. Grace takes her job seriously and wants The Empire to continue being a success. Just one problem someone is trying to sabotage who appears in The Empire making it very difficult for Grace to get acts or let the theatre go dark. Jack Treadwell only went to the theatre to see about a doorman’s job his late mum had told him to go and see Lillian Lassiter when he got home from the war. He ends up helping Grace to sort out acts after he has charmed everyone who works in the theatre including Ollie the dog who takes a shine to Jack immediately.

Despite the setbacks Grace and Jack are determined that the show will go on. There are so many characters in this book too many to mention but each makes you believe the story. They bring the theatre too life. Not just front stage but back stage as well, the whole workings , the graft that goes into putting on a successful show. It reminded me of some of the old films I lived growing up like 42nd street or Anything Goes.

You can tell Michael has put his heart and soul into this story, there were bits that I knew were things he has experienced himself. This literally has it all the glitz, glamour, razzmatazz, skulduggery, secrets, blackmail. But overall an absolutely entertaining engrossing read from start to finish especially for anyone who loves the theatre. If you;ve missed the theatre over the last few years this book puts you right there.

An absolutely brilliant debut novel, just show Michale Ball has another string in his bow that of author, is there anything he can’t turn his hand to? Thank you for bringing the theatre to us readers. Superb.

I would like to thank #netgalley and @ZaffeBooks for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

A fascinating story of life in a theatre and the trials and tribulations of the people involved in the successful production of a smash hit. The pressures of finalising the book and lyrics together with composing the required music and dealing with the outrageous demands of the director, imposed with the individual problems of the staff and the cast. and the skulduggery of rivals plotting a takeover bid and the business failures of shareholders verging on bankruptcy, all combine to make a dramatic story.

The Empire is an absolute romp through front stage and backstage in the Empire Theatre, darling!

The Empire theatre is the central star in this novel, and most of the drama takes place in the theatre – either backstage or front of house. There are differences and Michael Ball goes into detail of the differences between them. In fact, Michael’s background knowledge of life in the theatre and The Empire is chance for him to draw on his extensive knowledge, with some dastardly deeds afoot. A dodgy relative, bullying henchmen, eccentric auntie, and the two stars – Jack and Grace who must pull out all stops to keep The Empire from falling into the wrong hands.

I loved this novel, as I said above it’s a splendid, good romp, with greasepaint, dancing, smoking (doesn’t come up very often in novels), that all comes good in the end.

A thoroughly entertaining read and a fantastic debut book. Whilst two main characters (Jack and Grace) stand out, there are lots of key characters and sub-plots happening which are all weaved really well together. This was a little confusing at first (but there is a character list at the start to refer to!), I soon remembered who was who! Full of historical drama, tension, twists, glamour and romance, this makes for a wonderful story to curl up with. Would definitely recommend.

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

How I loved this book! I am delighted to say how much I enjoyed this novel, written by Michael Ball, an all- time favourite singer/ actor of mine. A celebrity artiste who is an excellent writer is something of a rarity, in my experience, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I should have known Michael Ball would be a safe pair of hands,. As an avid theatre goer, lover of musicals, and an enthusiastic amateur in musical theatre, this book was perfect for me. The characterisation is strong, the storyline original, and the plot line tight, everything I had hoped for, and was thrilled and a little surprised to find in ‘ The Empire’.
I could not put the book down, it’s so refreshing and original, and a classic case of advice to new authors - write about what you know. And Michael did just that! Fantastic, I really hope we will revisit The Empire at some time in the future, as I’m not ready to leave this wonderful and eminently likeable cast behind. I so hope that the characters will rise like a Phoenix, along with The Empire theatre, from the ashes. Highly recommended.
My thanks to the publisher, Michael Ball and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

I really didn't know what to expect when I first saw this book, and I only glanced at the synopsis to know it was one I wanted to read. The author has trod the boards of theatres around the world and so it makes sense that his first book would be set in a theatre.

The Empire is a theatre that has pretty much been left to its own devices. It is owned by the Lassiters, but neither really seems to take a huge amount of interest. The day-to-day running is done by Grace, a young woman with a passion for theatre. Not officially in charge, but knows that she needs to organise things to keep it running. The behind-the-scenes crew go about doing what they need to. When Jack is told to go and see Mrs Lassiter for a job it is Grace who he sees. Mrs Lassiter is in the US still in the morning over the death of her husband. As there seems to be no one really paying attention to the Empire, it seems that another businessman sees an opportunity to take advantage.

The author brings his passion for theatre, musicals and variety to every page of this wonderful novel. There are stories within stories and some real mysteries that are wonderfully woven into this tale of family disagreement, rivalry and blackmail. Underneath all of this though is the dogged determination of those who do not want to go down without a fight. It is their stubbornness and belief that gives magic to this story. They add glamour and glitz if you like.

While this is a story about grief and getting on with your life it is also about accepting mistakes of your past. There are a few juicy little secrets that the author has snuck into this story and it is one that had me hooked from the very first pages.

As well as the story of The Empire, this is also a story about certain characters as well. It is the everyday lives and working relationships of those who work in the theatre. They are a family and they have close bonds and therefore loyalties. This is something that I adored, as the author took me through the mazes behind the scenes, to the offices, the foyers, the dressing rooms and the stage.

The story has a bit of everything in it, so it is a romance, a mystery, it has loss and regret and hope for the future. Set between the wars in the 1920s this has the glamour and glitz of the music hall and variety shows. This is where the author really did work his magic so well. There were several times when I got goosebumps reading this book. Whether it be the cast getting a scene right, someone singing and dancing at an unexpected moment or when the cue for the show is called. The emotions and feelings that this book oozed were spo0t on for me.

This is a fabulous story and one that I really adored. It has the razzmatazz and the glamour, it also has the shady and the undesirable, but all the way through this story the feeling of "the show must go on" is one that resonated with me. No matter what the pitfalls there is always something to work toward, whether it is in the belief of others around you or accepting that you are capable of being successful, there is always a glimmer of the possible.

A fabulous debut novel from someone who knows the industry, the history, the backstage and centre stage of theatres. A time when Jazz was making its way across the Atlantic and the roaring 20s was making itself heard. It is an addictive story and one I would absolutely recommend.

A really good read. You really get the feeling of the old days of the theatre. Characters are great, both the likeable and the despicable. Would love to work at The Empire!

I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I actually did..and not just because I've fancied Michael Ball forever.

The author has done an amazing job of taking the reader into the life of a theatre in the 1920's Britain. The characters - and there are loads of them - all just jump off the page.

I imagine that this will be the first of a series and I don't doubt that it will be very, very popular but sadly, it was not for me.